Skip to product information
African Ebony
Specification Details
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Diospyros crassiflora |
| Common Name | African Ebony, Gaboon Ebony |
| Hardness (Janka) | ~3,200–3,400 lbf |
| Color | Deep, uniform black heartwood; pale yellow to grey sapwood |
| Grain | Usually straight, sometimes interlocked or wavy |
| Texture | Very fine and uniform |
| Natural Luster | High, naturally glossy |
| Durability | Extremely durable |
| Typical Uses | Luxury furniture, musical instruments, veneers, decorative inlays, carvings |
Workability
African Ebony is extremely dense and hard, making it challenging to machine and carve. Sharp tools are essential to prevent chipping or tearing. Sanding and polishing can produce an exceptionally smooth and glossy surface. Pre-drilling is recommended for screws or nails, and gluing works best with high-quality adhesives.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, piano and guitar keys, luxury veneers, decorative inlays, carvings, and artisanal woodworking projects.
What Makes African Ebony Unique
African Ebony is known for its jet-black color, incredible density, and fine, uniform texture. Its ability to take a high polish makes it one of the most sought-after woods for luxury, precision, and decorative projects. Unlike some other species, African Ebony offers a truly consistent black heartwood, prized in high-end applications.
Why Choose African Ebony
Rich, Uniform Black Color: Perfect for elegant and dramatic designs
Exceptional Durability: Highly resistant to wear, decay, and moisture
Fine Texture: Allows for precise carving, polishing, and inlay work
Prestige Material: Widely used in musical instruments, luxury furniture, and high-end veneers
Why You Might Not Choose African Ebony
Extremely Hard to Work: Requires skilled handling and sharp tools
Heavy Wood: Not suitable for lightweight applications
High Cost and Limited Availability: Expensive and must be sourced sustainably
Climate Performance & Acclimation
African Ebony performs best in controlled interior environments. Proper acclimation before installation is essential due to its density, which can make it prone to splitting if moved too quickly between different humidity or temperature conditions.
Ideal for Luxury & Precision Projects
Its deep black color, density, and durability make African Ebony ideal for piano and guitar keys, luxury furniture, veneers, and intricate carvings.
Color and Grain Stability
The heartwood maintains its jet-black tone over time, while the sapwood is generally discarded. Polishing and finishing enhance the natural luster without altering its rich color.
Popular Applications
-
Musical instruments (piano keys, guitars)
-
Luxury furniture and cabinetry
-
Decorative veneers and inlays
-
Sculptures and detailed carvings
Current Design Trends Featuring African Ebony
-
Black-accent modern interiors
-
High-end furniture with contrast detailing
-
Premium musical instruments
-
Luxury joinery and artisan woodworking
Other Species
